Introduction

One of the highlights of the Music & Arts Ministry of Asylum Hill Congregational Church is the annual Boar's Head and Yule Log Festival—a medieval celebration of Epiphany through music, dancing, pageantry and live animals. This culminating event of the holiday season continues to attract new people to this active and friendly church. After each of the five performances, all are invited to Drew Hall after the performance for a gala reception where the ferocious boar’s head, the mince pie and many of the festival properties are on display. Demand is heavy for the 4,000 available reserved seating tickets, and patrons are encouraged to purchase them as soon as they go on sale (see below).

2018 Festival Dates and Ticket Sales

Friday, January 5 at 7:30pm

Saturday, January 6 at 3:00 and 6:30pm

Sunday, January 7 at 1:30 and 5:00pm (Sign Language Interpreted)

Tickets ($25, $22 and $18) on Sale Monday, November 6, 10:00am to the General Public. All seats are reserved. Download and view the seating chart (coming soon). A small number of prime seats are reserved for Boar’s Head donors – see the details in the Donations section below.

Please note: No flash photography or recording devices of any kind are permitted at the performance; to ensure the safety of the animals and guests, children under 4 are NOT permitted at the festival; in the event of inclement weather, the show will go on unless travel bans are in effect; ticket sales are final. Late-comers may face extended seating delays due to the processions that occupy the aisles.

Synopsis of AHCC's Festival

The church is decorated for a great medieval pageant. Upon entering, our guests are greeted by a brass ensemble, a mime, jugglers, a puppeteer and jesters, recalling the Christmas entertainment provided by the Lord Mayor of the city of London. These festivities originated in the late 15th century and continue to this day.

Soon the festival begins as bagpipers catch our attention and we watch a traditional highland dance. A drummer announces the high king and queen who conduct a ceremony inducting into knighthood the young squire who has killed the evil boar. The portrayal of a royal feast celebrating this great event begins with a procession of lords and ladies to the majestic Earle of Oxford’s March, written by William Byrd in the 16th century for just such an occasion. A fanfare and singing herald announce the arrival of the boar’s head, symbolic of Christ’s triumph over evil; accompanied by the royal hunter and his attendants, full of pride. A great procession of cooks and staff follows, depicting the preparation of the royal feast.

Then follow King Wenceslas and his page reminding us to help those in need. The festival builds in intensity to a rousing rendition of Deck the Hall, and woodsmen enter with the Yule log, which represents the rekindling of love. The sweeping entrance of our dancers, accompanied by a grand Gloria, signals a spiritual change, as the manor hall becomes a great cathedral for the worship of the newborn King.

We prepare ourselves for Epiphany as a small child brings a lighted candle into the darkened church, symbolizing the coming of the light of Christ. We witness the arrival of Mary and Joseph as we listen to the simple melodies of O Little Town of Bethlehem and Once in Royal David’s City. The shepherds, instructed by the angel, find the holy family, as the three kings arrive in majesty and splendor, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. When all have assembled, they kneel in adoration—lords and servants, shepherds and kings—before the Lord of Lords! As the church is darkened and the Epiphany star shines brightly, the Yule sprite returns, and together the child and a simple monk of the church lift up and carry forth Christ’s light to all people.

Donations

The Festival is funded completely through ticket sales and donations. In an effort to keep ticket prices affordable, we ask that those who are able consider making a donation. We express our gratitude for your generosity by offering many exciting benefits to our donors.